Derek and Dance

06.07.12

Again a day of several parts. First to the Royal Geographic Society to celibrate the life of Derek Holder who died in February. Derek established the direct marketing profession in the UK; conceived, designed and created the world's first ever professional qualification in DM; and was co founder and MD of the Institute of Direct Marketing. His wit, wisdom and warmth were ably described in the many formal tributes from friends and colegues and these continued as about 100 of us mingled after the service. All agreed he was a great loss to the marketing profession.   

And so to the ballet - but first why. Last year the Marketors Trust decided that, while they contribute a great deal to professional education and other worthy causes, they should perhaps contribute to the arts. Past Master Venetia Howes and myself (then Senior Warden) were set the task of researching the options in and around the City and drawing up a shortlist. From the final four the Central School of Ballet rose to the top mainly because of their unique final year touring company which allows students to become involved in the business, as well as the perfomance, of ballet. Tonight was their End of Year Performance at the Bloomsbury Theatre which involved student from all three years in performances covering a range of styles. An excellent event which, for me, showed the true definition of performance art.

John Flynn    
Master Marketor